What comes to mind when you hear the word kaishi (懐紙)? It refers to traditional Japanese paper that is folded and carried in the kimono, typically in the front fold, so it is typically thought of in relation to its use in formal tea ceremonies—something far removed from everyday life.
But in fact, kaishi has many practical uses in day-to-day settings too. If you learn to use it with elegance, it’s sure to add a graceful charm to your routine. So, how exactly can it be used?
Is kaishi really that versatile? Here’s how it can be used
Kaishi as a disposable plate
There are plenty of occasions outside of a tea ceremony where you might be offered sweets. If the sweets aren’t individually wrapped (even if they’re just shop-bought snacks!), rather than picking them up directly with your fingers, placing them neatly on a sheet of kaishi adds a touch of refinement.
Wrapping money when you don’t have a decorative envelope
Forgot your decorative envelope but need to return some borrowed money? Or want to give your nephew a little pocket money but feel odd handing it over bare? That’s where kaishi comes in handy. No need for elaborate folding—simply fold it into thirds and tuck the note inside. It instantly feels more thoughtful and polished.
A handy substitute for a quick note
Whether adding a note to a gift or just wanting to express a quick thank you, writing your message on patterned kaishi paper makes it that much more special. It’s far more charming than scribbling on a plain sticky note or a scrap of notebook paper.
A handy substitute for a coaster
When the bottom of your glass is wet with condensation, simply fold a sheet of kaishi in half and use it as a coaster. Some types of kaishi are highly absorbent, so you don’t have to worry about it going soggy or falling apart!
So many ways to use it!
・Wrapping money when you don’t have a decorative envelope
・A quick alternative to a note
・A substitute coaster
And even more…
・Wiping lipstick marks from a glass
・A base for serving food
・A replacement for a handkerchief or tissue
・Even a chopstick holder!
How to use kaishi properly – its roles and etiquette
If you practise or study the tea ceremony, this might be second nature—but for those unfamiliar with kaishi, there’s a lot that isn’t widely known. Here’s a helpful guide to its correct use and role during a tea party.
Use stacked together – that’s the proper way!
▲Using a single sheet of kaishi can be unstable… (Photo by Shinohara Hiroaki; same below)
It’s not technically wrong to take a single sheet when eating a sweet, but in a tea ceremony where there may be no plate or table, using the entire bundle is the proper and more stable way. It certainly provides better support.
Where should the sweet pick (Kashiyoji) go?
▲The sweet pick is traditionally placed between the sheets of kaishi
While you might not carry one around on a daily basis, the kashiyoji (菓子楊枝)—a small pick used to eat Japanese sweets—is essential at a tea gathering. When invited to a tea ceremony, guests typically bring a folding fan, kaishi, and a kashiyoji tucked inside a fukusa (袱紗, a silk cloth). To keep the small pick from getting lost inside the cloth, it’s customarily slipped between the sheets of kaishi. That way, you won’t find yourself scrambling, thinking, “Where did I put it?”
Cleaning the sweet pick? Kaishi to the rescue again
▲Even the act of wiping it clean can be graceful…
After finishing your sweet, simply putting away a dirty kashiyoji isn’t ideal. Here again, kaishi is your friend. Fold it neatly to catch any crumbs, and gently wipe the pick clean. It’s an elegant, discreet gesture that keeps things tidy.
Honestly—kaishi is such a wonderfully versatile item. I think I’ll start carrying them on me from tomorrow!
Text and photography by Kimura
This article is translated from https://intojapanwaraku.com/rock/gourmet-rock/2543/